Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid) Surgery in St. George, UT

Refresh Heavy or Hooded Upper Eyelids with Dr. Kristin Tarbet

The eyes are often one of the first areas of the face to show visible signs of aging. As upper eyelid skin loses elasticity and underlying tissues change, the eyelids can begin to look heavy, hooded, or tired. For some patients, excess upper eyelid skin can also extend into the visual field and interfere with peripheral vision.

At AMARA Med Spa in St. George, Utah, upper blepharoplasty is performed by Dr. Kristin J. Tarbet, a triple board-certified surgeon with more than 30 years of specialized experience in facial aesthetics, cosmetic surgery, and oculofacial care.

Upper eyelid surgery allows Dr. Tarbet to carefully address excess skin and, when appropriate, underlying tissue through an incision concealed within the natural eyelid crease. Her goal is not to change the shape of your eyes, but to create a smoother, more refreshed upper eyelid while preserving the characteristics that make your appearance uniquely yours.

What Is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty, also called upper eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to address excess or drooping tissue of the upper eyelids.

During surgery, Dr. Tarbet places an incision within the natural upper eyelid crease, where it can remain well concealed as it heals. Excess skin is carefully removed, and underlying fat or other tissues may be addressed when appropriate for the patient’s anatomy. 

Upper blepharoplasty may improve:

• Heavy or hooded upper eyelids 
• Excess skin folding over the natural eyelid crease 
• A tired or aged appearance around the eyes 
• Upper eyelid asymmetry related to excess tissue 
• Difficulty applying eye makeup because of hooded skin 
• Visual obstruction caused by significant excess upper eyelid skin 

The objective is not simply to remove as much skin as possible. Successful upper eyelid surgery requires preserving appropriate tissue, eyelid function, natural eye shape, and the relationship between the eyelids and brows.

Is My Upper Eyelid Heaviness Caused by My Eyelids or My Brows?

This is an important distinction—and one of the reasons specialized evaluation of the upper face matters. What appears to be excess upper eyelid skin can sometimes be influenced by descent of the brow. Other patients have true excess eyelid skin, while some experience changes in both the eyelids and brows.

Removing eyelid skin alone cannot correct a brow that has descended. Likewise, a brow lift may not adequately address significant excess upper eyelid skin. Dr. Tarbet evaluates the brow and eyelids together to determine where the heaviness originates and whether upper blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery, or a combination of procedures is most appropriate.

Who May Benefit From Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Upper blepharoplasty may be appropriate for adults bothered by functional or cosmetic changes affecting their upper eyelids.

You may be a candidate if you:

• Have excess or sagging upper eyelid skin 
• Notice hooding that obscures the natural eyelid crease 
• Frequently appear tired despite feeling well-rested 
• Experience heaviness around the upper eyes 
• Have excess eyelid skin interfering with your field of vision 
• Want to improve upper eyelid aging without changing your natural eye shape 
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for surgery 

Certain eye conditions, medical concerns, smoking, and other factors may affect candidacy. Dr. Tarbet reviews your health history and eyelid anatomy before recommending surgery. Explore our Eyelid Surgery page to learn more about the procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Kristin Tarbet for Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty may involve a relatively small area of the face, but the anatomy is exceptionally complex. The eyelids must protect the eye, maintain appropriate closure and movement, and remain balanced with the brow and surrounding facial structures.

Dr. Kristin J. Tarbet brings decades of specialized experience in surgery of the eyelids and face to every procedure.

Her background includes:

• Triple board certification in ophthalmology, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery 
• More than 30 years of experience in facial aesthetics, cosmetic surgery, and oculoplastic care 
• Fellowship training in ophthalmic facial plastic and reconstructive surgery 
• Specialized expertise in eyelid, eye-area, and facial anatomy 
• Extensive experience in eyelid and facial rejuvenation surgery 
• Academic and clinical teaching experience 
• National education and training of other physicians in advanced aesthetic techniques 
• An emphasis on natural-looking results that preserve individual facial characteristics 

This depth of oculofacial experience is particularly relevant to upper blepharoplasty, where small surgical decisions can influence eyelid contour, symmetry, expression, and function. View our Testimonials page to learn more about patient experiences at AMARA Med Spa

What Does Dr. Tarbet Evaluate During an Upper Eyelid Consultation?

An upper blepharoplasty consultation involves more than determining how much eyelid skin can be removed. Dr. Tarbet evaluates the relationship between the eyes and surrounding upper facial structures, including:

• Degree and location of excess upper eyelid skin
• Upper eyelid crease and contour
• Eyelid symmetry
• Fat distribution
• Brow position
• Relationship between the brow and upper eyelid
• Eyelid function and closure
• Eye and eyelid health
• Previous eye or facial procedures
• Your aesthetic concerns and goals

This evaluation helps determine whether upper blepharoplasty alone can appropriately address your concerns or whether brow position or another component of the upper face should also be considered.

How Are Natural-Looking Upper Blepharoplasty Results Achieved?

The goal of upper eyelid surgery is not to create a different pair of eyes. Removing too much tissue or failing to consider brow position and surrounding anatomy can alter the natural relationship of the upper face. Dr. Tarbet’s approach emphasizes appropriate correction rather than maximum correction.

For some patients, that means revealing more of the natural upper eyelid crease. For others, it means reducing heaviness or improving visual obstruction. The amount of correction should reflect the patient’s anatomy and goals while maintaining natural expression, eyelid function, and individual eye shape.

What Happens During Upper Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid surgery begins with careful planning of the amount and location of tissue to be addressed. Dr. Tarbet places the incision within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this incision, excess skin is removed and underlying fat or tissue may be addressed when appropriate. The incision is then carefully closed with fine sutures. 

The exact surgical plan depends on your anatomy. Rather than using an identical amount of tissue removal for every patient, Dr. Tarbet considers the existing eyelid crease, skin excess, fat distribution, brow position, symmetry, and natural eye shape.

What Is Recovery Like After Upper Blepharoplasty?

Swelling and bruising are expected during the early stages of upper blepharoplasty recovery and generally improve progressively as the eyelids heal, patients can generally expect:

• First 48 hours: Swelling and bruising are common, and cold compresses may be recommended. 
• First week: Sutures are typically removed, with swelling and bruising beginning to noticeably subside. 
• Two to three weeks: The eyelids continue to settle, and patients may be able to resume makeup and lighter activities. 
• Four to six weeks: Healing continues and the results become increasingly natural-looking. 

Dr. Tarbet provides individualized postoperative instructions based on your surgery and healing. Patients are generally advised to keep the head elevated initially, avoid rubbing the eyes, protect the area from sun exposure, and follow instructions regarding eye drops, contact lenses, and activity. 

FAQs About Upper Blepharoplasty in St. George, UT

Schedule an Upper Blepharoplasty Consultation in St. George, UT

If heavy, hooded, or sagging upper eyelid skin is making you look more tired than you feel—or beginning to interfere with your vision—upper blepharoplasty may provide a more refreshed, open appearance while preserving your natural eye shape. 

Proudly serving patients from St. George and Washington UT, and Mesquite, NV.

Contact AMARA Med Spa to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kristin Tarbet in St. George and learn whether upper eyelid surgery is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.